Texas at Ole Miss preview

Updated 9:00 pm, Friday, September 14, 2012

No. 14 Texas (2-0) at Mississippi (2-0)

Kickoff: 8:15 p.m., Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Miss.

TV/Radio: ESPN, WOAI-AM 1200

Line: UT by 10

Series: UT leads 5-1.

Key matchup: Ole Miss WR Donte Moncrief vs. UT CB Carrington Byndom — In the Rebels' first two games, Moncrief was responsible for the biggest play, catching a 53-yard touchdown pass against Central Arkansas and a 55-yarder against UTEP. Byndom has a history of shutting down some of the Big 12's elite receivers.

Key players: UT — In his first college action last week, freshman Daje Johnson busted loose for a 45-yard score on a shovel pass from David Ash. Johnson and D.J. Monroe give UT two ultra-quick options at its tailback-receiver hybrid position. Ole Miss — Quarterback Bo Wallace ranks eighth nationally in pass efficiency, having completed 35 of 46 attempts for 438 yards with five TDs and one interception.

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Keys for UT: In only the second true road start of his career, Ash needs to keep his cool. So far, he's completed 73.5 percent of his passes without an interception, but his decision-making will be tested. Rediscovering Malcolm Brown would be nice. He averages 6.9 yards every time he carries the ball, but did so only twice last week. Hold the Rebels on third down. The Longhorns started slowly last week because they allowed New Mexico to convert four of its first five third downs.

Numbers: Mykkele Thompson's blocked punt last week was UT's 56th block of a punt, field goal or extra point since 2002. That's the second-highest total in the nation, trailing only Fresno State's 64.